Automotive data company CarVertical conducted its annual market transparency study to assess which countries are the riskiest to buy a used vehicle. Lithuania, like last year, took 23rd place in the ranking – this is one of the worst results among all the countries that participated in the study. Neighboring Latvia ranks 24th, Estonia – 21st, and Poland – 18th.
The average age of purchased cars in Lithuania has increased
The research data revealed that in Lithuania 7.7 percent the car’s mileage was falsified. On average, these data were adjusted by 100.5 thousand. kilometers. According to the results of the study, according to this indicator, Lithuania is surpassed only by Latvia, where the average mileage is reduced by 102.6 thousand. kilometers. Since the price of a car depends directly on the mileage, drivers who have purchased such vehicles overpay significantly for them.
Company photo/The most transparent and opaque used car markets
The statistics of broken cars are also not encouraging: 51.3 percent. all vehicles inspected on the “CarVertical” platform in Lithuania had damage, and the average value of the damage was 3,500 euros.
Drivers who buy vehicles imported from abroad are most at risk of purchasing a car with falsified mileage or damage that occurred in the past. Since 63 percent all used cars in Lithuania were imported from other countries, buyers looking for a new model should be extremely careful.
It is interesting that the age of vehicles purchased in Lithuania decreased during the year: in 2023 Lithuanians were interested in cars 10.1 years old, and in 2024 – 12.1 years. Older cars were checked only by Finns – here the average age of vehicles was 13.7 years.
The United Kingdom remains the market leader
As in the previous year, the most transparent used car market of all the countries in the study was in the United Kingdom. The share of cars with falsified mileage here was only 2.1 percent. and only 17.8 percent. vehicles were damaged. Unlike continental Europe, the absolute majority of cars in the UK are right-hand drive, resulting in just 2% of cars driving on the right. of all vehicles in the country were imported from abroad.
Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden are also in the first five most transparent countries.
“Car buyers from Western European and Scandinavian countries are less likely to encounter cases of mileage falsification or hidden defects. Stricter laws ensure that buyers can have more confidence in the history and quality of vehicles,” explains M. Buzelis, CarVertical’s communications manager.
Of all the countries that participated in the study, only Slovenia is sandwiched between the Western and Northern European markets, occupying the 10th place.
Market transparency in Eastern Europe remains unchanged
After evaluating the mentioned criteria, it became clear that the least transparent countries in the study are Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Estonia. Last year, these markets also ranked lowest. The abundance of cars with falsified mileage and damage, an old vehicle fleet and a significant share of imports lead to the fact that the markets of these countries are considered extremely opaque and risky.
“The situation in the Eastern European used car market remains unchanged. Since units are punished for falsifying mileage or concealing defects, this flawed practice will not disappear for a long time,” explains M. Buzelis.
The largest number of cases of falsification of mileage among European countries is recorded in Latvia – 11.1 percent. and in Ukraine – 9.6 percent. The largest share of broken cars is in Poland (61.2%) and Slovakia (60.5%).
How is the Market Transparency Index calculated?
CarVertical’s study analyzed the company’s consumer-purchased vehicle history reports from 2023. October to 2024 September The market transparency index is calculated using 6 indicators:
- Percentage of odometers with tampered readings
- Average of fake odometer data in kilometers
- Percentage of damaged cars
- Relative amount of damage
- Percentage of imported used cars
- Average age of inspected cars
Since these criteria are not equally important for market transparency, they have been assigned different values. For example, fake mileage data in kilometers is more meaningful than the average age of cars checked by CarVertical in a given country.
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Interview with M. Buzelis, Communications Manager at CarVertical
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, M. Buzelis. CarVertical has recently released its annual market transparency study regarding used vehicles. Can you share the main findings for Lithuania and its position in the ranking?
M. Buzelis: Thank you for having me. Yes, Lithuania ranked 23rd in our study, maintaining its position from last year. This means it remains one of the riskiest places to buy a used vehicle compared to other countries in our research. Neighboring Latvia and Estonia ranked 24th and 21st, respectively, while Poland ranked slightly better at 18th.
Interviewer: I noticed that the average age of cars being purchased in Lithuania has increased. What implications does this have for buyers?
M. Buzelis: That’s correct. The average age of purchased vehicles in Lithuania rose from 10.1 years in 2023 to 12.1 years in 2024. This shift generally suggests that buyers are opting for older models, which are typically at a higher risk for hidden defects or mileage tampering. Plus, given that 63% of used cars in Lithuania are imported, buyers must exercise extra caution.
Interviewer: The study highlights a significant issue with mileage falsification in Lithuania. Can you elaborate on that?
M. Buzelis: Certainly. Our data revealed that about 7.7% of vehicles had their mileage tampered with, with an average adjustment of around 100,500 kilometers. When buyers unknowingly purchase a car with falsified mileage, they end up overpaying by a significant amount. The situation in neighboring Latvia is even worse, with a higher average mileage adjustment.
Interviewer: How does Lithuania compare to countries like the United Kingdom, which you mentioned ranks as the most transparent market?
M. Buzelis: The UK set itself apart with only 2.1% of cars having falsified mileage, and just 17.8% of vehicles inspected showed damage. This stark difference is largely due to stricter laws that provide buyers with more transparency and security regarding vehicle history. Countries like Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden also rank high in market transparency.
Interviewer: What are your thoughts on the overall market transparency in Eastern Europe?
M. Buzelis: Unfortunately, the situation remains unchanged. Eastern European countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Romania, have consistently scored low in our transparency rankings. The prevalence of milage falsification and damaged vehicles reflects longstanding issues that won’t resolve until more robust penalties for such practices are enforced.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to potential car buyers in Lithuania and similar markets?
M. Buzelis: I advise potential buyers to conduct thorough research and verification before purchasing a used vehicle. Utilizing platforms like CarVertical can help them check vehicle history and uncover any discrepancies. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical, particularly when considering imported cars.
Interviewer: Thank you, M. Buzelis, for sharing these insights. It’s crucial for buyers to be aware of these risks in the used car market.
M. Buzelis: Thank you for having me; it’s always important to raise awareness around these issues.
Ike Italy, Germany, and Sweden also demonstrate significantly lower risks compared to Eastern European nations like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. This highlights a broader trend where stricter regulations correlate with greater market transparency and consumer trust.
Interviewer: What can buyers in Lithuania do to protect themselves when purchasing used vehicles, especially given these concerns about transparency?
M. Buzelis: It’s crucial for buyers to conduct thorough research. We recommend that potential car buyers utilize vehicle history report services like ours to check for any discrepancies in mileage and to understand the vehicle’s past condition. Additionally, having a trusted mechanic inspect a vehicle before purchase can potentially save buyers from costly surprises. Knowledge and vigilance are key.
Interviewer: what message would you like to convey regarding the current state of the used car market in Eastern Europe?
M. Buzelis: The situation remains concerning, with many countries in Eastern Europe showing little improvement in market transparency. With high rates of mileage falsification and vehicle damage, consumers must remain cautious and informed. It’s essential for local authorities to strengthen regulations to combat these issues effectively, fostering a safer environment for buyers in the long run. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic.
Interviewer: Thank you, M. Buzelis, for your insights today. This information is invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the used car market in Lithuania and beyond.
